July 22, 2018

Modern dentistry is gentler and more effective than ever before. Nonetheless, some people are uneasy about seeing a dentist in North Dallas. Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with this common phobia. With just a little time and effort, you can reduce your dental-related fears or even free yourself from them entirely.

Understanding Dental Fear Better

The first step in overcoming a problem is learning more about it. Here are some basic facts about dentistry phobias:

You’re not alone. Millions of people are uncomfortable about undergoing dental treatment. There’s even a term for the condition: You may also hear it referred to as odontophobia.

The fear has common causes. For example, some patients dislike needles. Others have concerns about sedation. Still others suffer from misconceptions based on rumors or antiquated information.

These fears are almost always unfounded. Seeing a dentist is one of the safest activities on earth. Your odds of being hit by a meteor are greater than your chances of suffering harm during a dental visit.

Today’s dental treatment options are gentle, comfortable, and beneficial. On the other hand, foregoing dentist visits puts you at risk for serious health conditions, including life-threatening infections in some cases.

Five Ways to Overcome Dental Fear

Here are five effective ways to counteract these troublesome and unhelpful worries:

Practice systematic relaxation. Begin by taking a few deep, cleansing breaths. Follow up by consciously relaxing each part of your body. You may also listen to relaxing music or other soothing sounds.

Contact a support group. Sometimes, talking to an understanding person is all you need to overcome a phobia. Many organizations offer online or face-to-face meetings.

Talk to the dentist’s office. Discuss your concerns with a dental professional. The doctor or staff will tell you about the many safeguards in place for your protection and answer any questions you may have.

Consider using headphones. This can both muffle the sounds of dental tools and provide a pleasant distraction during the procedure. Ask your dentist if this is an option for you.

Ask about sedation. Often, the best way to overcome dental anxiety is just to sleep through it.

Helping Children to Overcome Dental Phobias

it’s perfectly natural for young people to fear a trip to the dentist. Here are some ways to help them manage their unease:

Never belittle them. People of all ages suffer from phobias, including many who work in dangerous occupations. There’s no shame in feeling afraid.

Stay with them. Knowing that a trusted adult is nearby can help a child to relax during a dental procedure.

Give them positive reinforcement afterwards. Praise your little one after the treatment is over. You may also want to treat your child to a favorite snack, or a visit to a fun place.

Facing our worries is sometimes challenging. But it leads to a world of benefits in the end. Congratulations on your willingness to deal with these issues as you face the future with confidence.

About the Author

Dr. John A Grinaldi has been serving the people of North Dallas for over 20 years by providing expert dental treatment. Dr. Grinaldi participates in continuous training seminars and classes to keep his skills state-of-the-art. You can contact his office through its website or by calling (972) 437-4746.

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